Bill Gates Steps Back: Focusing On Philanthropy And The Future

Bill Gates has famously devoted much of his vast wealth and energy to philanthropy, and is one of the billionaires who helped pioneer the notion of the wealthiest people in the world giving most of their money away over the course of their lives. So it might surprise you to learn that he’s still been serving on the board of directors for not just the company he founded, Microsoft, but also Berkshire Hathaway, all this time. Until now, that is, since Gates recently announced on LinkedIn that he would be stepping away from both these boards immediately.

The post came 45 years (almost to the day) after he founded Microsoft, and is aptly titled "Focusing My Time." Here’s an excerpt: "I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve – Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway – to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change. The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step."

Gates also took the time to commemorate his work on the Berkshire Hathaway board, with a special emphasis on BH's Warren Buffett, with whom Gates has a well-known friendship. He stated, "Serving on the Berkshire board has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Warren and I were the best of friends long before I joined and will be long after. I look forward to our continued partnership as co-trustees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-founders of The Giving Pledge."

And lest you think this decision means Gates will be stepping away from Microsoft entirely, fear not, because he says that’s far from the case: "With respect to Microsoft, stepping down from the board in no way means stepping away from the company.